Media Advisory: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Ceremony

Media Advisory

72nd Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Remembered

WHAT :

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013 marks the 72nd Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor. The 1941 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor was a defining moment in U.S. history.

The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and Fort Snelling National Cemetery Memorial Rifle Squad will host a remembrance ceremony at 10 a.m. Dec. 7 in St. Paul to honor those who served, and remember those who gave their lives in the defense of Pearl Harbor. The event will include a rifle salute, and brief program, including remarks by guest speaker George Augustinack and recognition of USS Arizona Survivor, Edward Wentzlaff.

New this year, a group of local World War II historical reenactors will be at the event, dressed in military uniforms, to display a wide variety of equipment and uniforms from the era.

Minnesotans have had a proud history of service related to Pearl Harbor. Naval Reservists from Minnesota, serving aboard the USS Ward, were conducting a patrol near the entrance to Pearl Harbor. They sank a Japanese midget submarine, thus firing the first American shots of WWII. The number three gun, which fired the shot, sits on the Capitol Grounds near the west side of the Veterans Service Building in St. Paul.

Further information, including parking details, can be found at the event webpage.

WHEN:

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013

10 a.m. Program and refreshments

WHERE:

Veterans Service Building, 5th Floor

20 W. 12th Street, St. Paul, MN 55155

INTERVIEW:

Survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor

About MDVA

The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is a cabinet level state
agency dedicated to serving Minnesota Veterans and their families. In addition
to overseeing the five State Veterans Homes, MDVA helps eligible Veterans and
families secure state and federal benefits and provides programs and services
relating to higher education, benefits, burial, claims, outreach and Veterans
employment. For more information visit MinnesotaVeteran.org or call 1-(888)-LinkVet